Saturday, September 19, 2009

A couple of comments which followed my last post are actually the inspiration for my post tonight. The first one was from Monie, and she said the following:

"On the Black Republicans; I wonder why they haven't broken away from the GOP along with other minorities and formed their own Party?Such a Party might not win anything on a National level but they could do well locally in certain parts of the country."

I actually thought about that for a minute and what would be the real consequences of such actions. (A black political party.)

First, assuming you could get black folks to pull it off, (because we all know that black folks can't come together for shit) we would need a name. So for the rest of this post I will refer to it as the Negro Party Of America. (NPA) Sorry, we have to use Negro instead of black, because black is still too...well, threatening.

The NPA,as Monie said, could not win anything on a national level. Even if we had a very good candidate like Barack. The numbers just aren't in our favor. But let's be honest, black folks don't have a voice in Washington, now. None of the major political parties are speaking to issues that affect us, so what difference would it make? None.

We would probably still have the same amount of representation because the blacks who are going to Washington- with a few exceptions- are going from predominantly black districts. And as for local governments, I am pretty sure that wouldn't change much, either. With all due respect to my man Deval Patrick and little Stevie up in New York, you can count the number of black elected officials to statewide offices on one hand. Black Senators? Forget about it, Barack was a fluke, and if it wasn't for Blago playing political cat and mouse, we wouldn't have old Roland.

Our biggest obstacle, of course, would be raising money. You black folks don't like to spend your money on shit you can't wear or drive. But maybe we could shake down some corporations like Rev. Inc. and raise money that way. "Hi is this Mr. CEO from KFC?" Yes hi, this is field Negro from the NPA. I was wondering; our convention is in Cleveland this year and we were looking for some sponsors, do you think you could kick in say a million five? Thanks I knew I could count on you." Once we have the money we could mobilize folks like these to get out the vote and keep certain people away from the polls.

A party platform might be a problem as well. Think of all those republican Negroes who are now in the NPA. How would we accommodate them? Honestly, I am thinking that they are such a small group that their input probably wouldn't even matter. Still, for the sake of unity, I would throw them a bone. (See field, if a white man had said "throw them a bone" you would have said it was racist) Poor choice of words. I would consider their suggestions.

And then there were these comments from an anonymous poster:

"While we talk and fight endlessly about race, people have seemingly forgotten that America doesn't have nay jobs anymore. The manufacturing centers of this country are dead or dying and I don't hear any black liberals talking about that-even though manufacturing s death has hit blacks in a major way. Nor do I hear anything about class issues or issues of sexism being addressed either. Even though both of those issues are tearing the community apart from the inside out, few have the courage to address them."

Well let's address that right now: One of the reasons that the manufacturing centers of this country are "dead" is because of race and racism. In case you haven't noticed, major corporations and businesses have left places like Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Cleveland, and one of the major reasons is a lack of a proper educational base in these areas due to failing school systems. Why are school systems failing? No money. No tax base. Why is there no tax base? White and middle class flight. Why are the middle class fleeing the cities? Crime and poverty. Why is there crime and poverty? No jobs. If this entire argument seems circular to you it's because it is. But you have to ask yourself, why are these people in these areas being marginalized? Why isn't legislation being passed in the halls of power to address issues such as gun violence, crime, and education? You see anonymous poster, it's all kind of connected when you think about it.

If we get the NPA we will address all of these issues in our party platform: Sexism, racism, and classism. The dumbocratic party will suffer but what have they done for us lately? They are too busy playing along with the rethugs to care anymore, and I think on that note all black folks can agree.

What little manufacturing that is left in this country is mostly related to precision parts and medical devices. Capital, machinist and manufacturing process skills would be needed. This necessitates training with in the community. This could be done using the old Guild system. Encouraging our students to think of jobs in engineering and science, instead of that generic liberal arts degree. It would take some time to get a complete workforce. Facilities aren't a problem, they are abundant in urban areas. The problem would be whether these business could generate enough jobs. Service jobs would have to extend beyond fast food and retail.

Black folk were pretty much united during the civil right movements, because in a sense there was no where to go but up. I think it would have to take a complete backlash from whites in order for Black folk to create a political party.

Field said, "But you have to ask yourself, why are these people in these areas being marginalized?"

That's easy to answer. No one cares about them, including Blacks themselves. Negroes are "throw away people" in American society. They are unwanted. Katrina proved that, and so does the daily black-on-black crime.

Do you really think NPA is a possibility, considering that no one trusts Blacks, including Blacks themselves?

Ever hear of the Black Caucus? How about STBU? What has come from those ideas of "coming together"? Forget it, Field it ain't gonna happen.

Does one actually have to be black to join the party or donate money? If the answer is "no" then I'm in, melanin challenged as I may be.

I would understand your reluctance, to paraphrase Groucho, if you wouldn't want to belong to a club that would have someone like me as a member. Good luck because, all joking aside, this is a good idea.

Okay, first off, no white people in the damn party-all they do is derail the conversation and try and direct everything their way. Secondly, we should look to some of Malcolm's great speeches for a party code of conduct/beliefs

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

Protect the black woman!

Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.

One of the reasons that the manufacturing centers of this country are "dead" is because of race and racism. In case you haven't noticed, major corporations and businesses have left places like Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Cleveland, and one of the major reasons is a lack of a proper educational base in these areas due to failing school systems.

Companies didn't just leave black areas-they left the whole country. Globalization, free trade and capital mobility made that possible.

humm NPA is way too close to NPG..and mighty mite of noize and sound outta MPLS might object to this one...but actually, Field i am shocked and dismay that all cyber stuff have clogged your mind on historical precepts with regards to a black or African nationalist political party... el haji el Malik Shabazz's father was murdered for being a card carrying member... Remember the Marcus Garvey inspired U.N.I.A.?

It is still around and has not gone anywhere despite the trumped up charges your government imposed on Marcus Garvey to deport him for organizing black folks under the gist of mail fraud [Westlaw the case of US v. Garvey and read it].

One God/Goddess, One Aim, One Purpose... and i might add one big helping of Common Sense is what is sorely needed..

Black folks who where under the boot of jim crow and overt jingoistic policies in the americas had no problem coming together within the UNIA to fight for their human rights.

Black folks within the usa are politically naive and duped to partcipate in a bi-lateral political system that by its very nature and tenets excluses their existence by denying any serious consideration of their political and economic agendas. unless of course you are compelled to function on the tail ends of the eurocentric money centric capitalist systems. Are you still given what the white boy mathematicians magicians [disclaimer: i dont know of any african or asian hedge fund or deriative architects who are employed in this capacity with the investment bank biggies, if you do let me know and i was decolorize this general perspective] inflicted on the global economies for years to come here recently?

Maybe instead of my donations to either democratic or republician party, Black folks need to spend mo time and enough in revamping the UNIA according to a conscience agenda for Black folks.

"if you had a choice of colours, which ones would you choose my brothers..."

Remember this is what Malcolm was killed for and shortly thereafter MLK too!

this phrase:"Maybe instead of my donations to either democratic or republician party, Black folks need to spend mo time and enough in revamping the UNIA according to a conscience agenda for Black folks."

should read: Maybe instead of mo donatins to either democratic or republician party, Black folks need to spend mo time and effort in revamping the UNIA according to a consenus agenda for Black folks.

First, I'd point out that Malcolm lived to regret the day he ran out that white girl who wanted to help bring whites and blacks together. He lamented this in an interview just before his assassination.

Second, if you think this is just about white folks denying black folks because they're black I challenge you to take a hard look at Appalachia -- 200+ years of persistent poverty rivaled by no place else in A-merry-ca save for a few Indian reservations. The problems of Appalachia and even the stereotypes (immoral/loose women, women who work/ballbusters, young women who a sexually active/exoticized by outsiders, men who abandon families, men and young boys who are inherently criminal, men who refuse to support families, alcohol abuse [later drug use], a culture that refuses education, a culture that worships violence, and so on) were looked at by government researchers during the New Deal who studied the lives of blacks in America and warned that if the government didn't take an active role in improving the lives of blacks and their economic opportunities and economic development that the black family and black community would suffer the same persistent and unbreakable cycle of disruption, poverty, and social and familial ills as white Appalachians.

Third, the powerful in this country have fought to keep poor and working to middle class blacks and whites apart ever since Bacon's Rebellion.

Would an NPA benefit blacks or would it just serve to strengthen the right? Why have we ceded the argument to the right by making poverty a black issue? Such a frame denies reality and only serves to undercut the poor in general by stirring up those on the right and in general who disdain black folks. Why have we made crime a black issue? Rich whites can buy out but the vast majority can't. Those folks want safe cities and towns too and there's enough to form a coalition of POWER. It's time for a little class war in this country -- a retaking of the democratic party. We need to reframe the issues and capture our natural allies across races. It's a matter of class consciousness rather than racial consciousness.

I read your blog every morning while I have coffee. The NPA article has moved me to leave a comment: bu$h and the Democrats and the RWpublicans have made (n-words) out of everybody who doesn't have millions of dollars.

During the Supposed Election of 2000, I noticed a good few of our Black Cousins carrying signs that read "Stay Out The Bushes." But "we" somehow have never learned to LISTEN to "y'all" when you try to warn us about snakes.

PLEASE get the NPA started! And if you decide that you can't let White people in, I will sure understand--but I will send money anyhow!

Brother Field...Is there any other example (current, historically) where a group wold stronly trust and adore some other and distrust themeselves to the point of self destruction. In my years, I have oft wonder why the majority would leave certain neighborhoods.. now I undderstand. Tired of making concessions for my people, I too am looking for an exit from my neighborhood. The reason is so basic. RESPECT must not be a topic that we put in our families' lesson/living plans. Buttt, with time is limited, I quess it hard to get off this "last place horse". Keep praying/fighting. That idea of a separate party has been used, even in my times...Hell, we even had our own city(Soul City, NC) in the 70s. More internal forces versus external forces caused the end to a prideful moment. Maybe today with a more informed and needy population it is worth a try. If we could bring togeather a group that have regional, urban versus "country boys", educational differances (jelousy) as one.

Field, if y'all had any balls you'd take control of the Party You People already run for all intents and purposes. If y'all would stay home, Ted Kennedy would have lost in 1970, the only white D's in power might be that Klansman Byrd, and he's Black in Spirit anyways. I don't even buy that 1% of Blacks are Conservatives...Race runs everything, and I bet in the Privacy of his Tony Northern Virginia Suburb Voting Booth even Clarence Thomas voted for O'bomber... I think Baraks makin a start, tellin the Hoe-Moes to go suck a schlong, what are they gonna do? Vote for Sara Palin? Congrats on your Phillies,

I've always been convinced Malcolm wound up dead for the same reasons MLKing did -- they both had realized that economics and class were issues that cut across racial lines. The monied interests would love to see an NPA that concentrated the black vote into a very narrow segment -- it would be a godsend for them retaining power. What they fear the most is the possibility of the people they're screwing all realizing who the common enemy is, which is why they work so hard at keeping race hatred fired up and dividing people along ethnic and racial lines.

If all you "oppressed" Negroes left, the crime rate here would plummet. So we'll be glad to pay for one-way tickets. America would have the biggest resurgence of prosperity and culture that has ever been seen.

Or what if you went to China instead? Black culture and crime would destroy their country. We here would get a double bonus.

@Nan -- I couldn't agree with you more. The most dangerous threat ever posed to America was the class consciousness that threatened to unwind in the 60's. MLK, Malcolm, and RFK have one thing in common that often goes overlooked: they all realized that the real fight in America was economic. There could be no real social equality without economic opportunity for all.

UHC threatens to tear asunder a fundamental method of control by the elite. Beyond the more obvious economic gains, UHC means people can bargain for their time and labor, can take chances with their lives and careers, and gives an unprecedented level of freedom to low wage and mid wage earners. The kind of income inequality present in the US today can't exist in an America with UHC. Is it any wonder that it's defeat is the highest priority? It's not just insurers who are threatened but the republican party --conservatism in particular. Bill Kristol noted this last time. Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole were close to dealing on health care until Kristol sent out a memo describing UHC as a threat to the republican party that would undermine conservatism by showing government could in fact do good. He told them republicans would be out of power for decades because the results of UHC would be so good and after that Gingrich and Dole killed it. Dole would not let the bipartisan compromises that had already been worked out to be added to the bill and thus doomed it.

If you want to send a chill through those who hold power in America start awakening and uniting those of us in the middle and lower classes.

The idea of a "Negro Party of Amerikka" is laughable - kind of like that scene in Birth of a Nation with barefoot Rastus' feet on the desk eating fried chicken - I can see them now.Pray tell: What WOULD legislation regarding black-on-black crime look like? And, what kinds of education-reform legislation COULD we force on folks who are clearly anti-intellectual and abysmally uninterested in learning? And why should or would YOU, for one, or anyone pay for it?Bless anyone with the capacity to escape the "black" holes of our inner cities.

As a resident of a 'hood, I can tell you from firsthand experience all of this is connected. It's no accident that the stores doing well are pay day loan outlets, liquor stores and pawn shops. It's like they want us to give up everything we own and kill ourselves after we have nothing left.

I would disagree that liberals have not been talking about declining manufacturing bases. In fact, if you recall that was exactly how Van Jones made a new for himself. The idea is to retrain dislocated workers in urban areas for the burgeoning green economy. Until recently that involved, there was even some talk of ultra conservative T. Boone Pickens buying comm. property in Cleveland and St. Louis for building wind turbines. The problem right now, as I see it, is a lot of these ideas, are just at the moment ideas, and no one is really willing to invest past R&D dollars in alternative energy manufacturing because they don't know which ideas in particular are going to past the finish line first. Example. Fuel Cells, wind turbines are today what ethanol technology was last year and next year the automotive industry might mimick the Volt (250 mpg) and that could entirely change the market, not to mention the demand for petroleum in the country, which reduces the profitability of any alternative energy investments.

The reasons blacks folks talk about racism so much is because it is something we can see and feel where where larger economic trends are things in which we as well as every other working stiff in this country knows they have little control over.

But I disagree with field the manufacturing bases did not leave due to lack of education, they left in search of cheaper labor, to Mexico, to India and finally to China. What is left in this country is meat processing and those fatories use to hire unionized white and black workers. They closed shop and moved to rural areas and started shipping in immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala where they pay out less than half of what those union workers cost.

It's one massive race to the bottom for all uneducated workers, no matter how you look at it.

Before we put the educational system in these cities pront and center. Lets not forget that since Ronald Reagan was elected. Union busting was the "in thing" which has lead to the widening of income gap. I said all of that to say: No matter how ill prepared "certain workers" are or were in these cities. In the interest of capitalism and profiteering, the American worker has been marginalized by design. But hey, I bet you our Black Republican buddies won't see it that way.

It's time for a little class war in this country -- a retaking of the democratic party. We need to reframe the issues and capture our natural allies across races. It's a matter of class consciousness rather than racial consciousness.

cosign, mostly. Race/racism cannot be ignored, but if we could come together and recognize our commonalities within the class structure, it could go a long way.

@Race Traitoress -- You of course can't leave racism out. It's part and parcel. When I say class consciousness not racial consciousness I mean that black folks and even white folks are aware of race even those whites who deny racism but the vast majority of Americans have a deep ignorance of class and what it means.

Class always takes a back seat to many other types of social divisions. Unless you live in a homogenous culture. It's highly beneficial right now to have people fighting over race again so that the health care bill will go down; that formula will no doubt be successful. Globalization has been so effective because the same formula can be exported around the world: Pit working people against each other on a global scale and let capital reap the benefits. So far, that system has been a huge success.

It'd be nice to have some black politicians that weren't scumbags or crooks. That means YOU, William Frige Cash Jefferson!

We'd form a new party and accomplish what, exactly? We'd win in the urban places, where we usually win anyway. And then what? We'd still be a minority in House and Senate. Probably still be voting with the Dems too

I like the Francis L. Holland solution to your dilemma best, Field. It goes like this- move the entire black pop to the smallest 5 or 6 states, thus giving us effectively voting rule, a bunch of house seats, and 12 senate seats. Get the Hispanics to do the same and we get an effective voting block. Would the representatives from those states be 100% black? Possibly, but not absolutely. Black people don't vote based on color. Rep. Cohen is proof of that. But the elected would have to represent our interests or be replaced.

Majority minority states would not work; the overlooked issue of class again would see to that. It would not be in the interest of middle class, black professionals to move in with people who they shared little with except skin color.

Nan, I feel you on a lot of levels. Quite a bit of my post was tongue in cheek. If poor people and lower middle class people (black and white) united that would be a start of a movement in this country that could actually be a basis for real economic change.

Of course clowns like Anon 11:16 AM,would become non-existent and that is what they fear. The only thing the likes of Anon 11:16cAM have going for them is the fact that they are a part of the majority population, and therefore somehow, by default, they are in charge of the "other" people. It's why seeing his O ness in power drives people like that to the moonshine jug.

And I co-sign that many larger corporations left the inner cities and in fact A-merry-ca for countries with cheaper labor. But the lack of a proper educational base in many urban areas have hurt as well. It's harder for people who are not properly educated to start their own businesses. And when they do, it's harder to find a good work force from an under educated population.

"Before we put the educational system in these cities pront and center. Lets not forget that since Ronald Reagan was elected. Union busting was the "in thing" which has lead to the widening of income gap. I said all of that to say: No matter how ill prepared "certain workers" are or were in these cities. In the interest of capitalism and profiteering, the American worker has been marginalized by design."

Rippa, that's a great point.

Devona,it sounds like you are pretty up on this new economy stuff. You have to drop more on us about that.

@anon 12.24 -- Well said. I've often thought the only way out for the working stiff when it comes to globalization is a global union. That said, the current crisis is decoupling things a bit. There's indication that ChiAmerica, Chinese production + American consumerism is breaking up. The global economy has for many years now depended upon the American consumer to stay afloat but now that we've destroyed that consumer base the world is in deep trouble. No other country has the mindset to consume as we do. China has the population but not the culture that's needed to do what we do. Whatever else happens the current global economy that relies on the US consumer to keep things going can't be sustained. The question is what will replace it and when.

@agent X -- I'm glad you brought up the coming majority-minority. While I think that latin@s can go in either direction (left or right/maintain an ethnic identity or assimilate), the demographics make a change in the electorate inevitable. We're witnessing the last gasp of conservative white power and it ain't pretty. I think the question for blacks, latin@s, asians, and white liberals should be where are we gonna take things? Are we going to seize the moment, cement our coalition, and seek a "more perfect Union" that takes social justice and economic inequality seriously? Are we going to allow a small group to take us down a corporate path and serve those already in power the way neo-cons took over the GOP despite their insignificant numerical size? Are we going to fragment along ethnic lines or unify along class and ideological ones? Those are the kinds of things we'll be facing and just because we gain the numbers doesn't mean all their money and power evaporates.

After loving you the longest time your eyes show me the exit sign I can't ignore the sign I read when I hold you how cold you feel but

It's so hard for me to say goodbye yes I know you see tears in my eyes so I'll go before I break down and cry cause it's so hard for me to say goodbye

Girl I'm leaving you I won't try to push you back although I'll be losing you at least my pride will stay intact my heart says stay but my mind says no the longer I delay I just won't go

But its so hard for me to say goodbye I can change I'm a lover to the end I can change ounce I know it's the end cause its so hard for me to say good bye it's so hard it's so hard

Yes I know you see tears in my eyes so I'll go before I break down and cry cause its so hard for me to say good bye cause its so hard for me to say good bye I'll break down and cry every time I think about it, it's so hard

"Field Negro shows his low IQ constantly and the toadies here still follow him :) What maroons!"

And yet, here you are.

BTW, did you mean morons? You said Maroons. There is a difference. Actually, if you were referring to "Maroons" I resemble that remark. (Google it) Morons, on the other hand, well, you might want to get a mirror.;)

Field - Like many in my community, I’m like a caged bird. I see the way to freedom. The door is open, but I am frozen with fear. We, our communities, can break the cycle of despair that you mention. However; it means our collectively leaving the cage that we have allowed to imprison us for so long and demand that our local government represent our needs. But, most of all we must acknowledge that no one is going to rescue us. No one rescued us from slavery or Jim Crow. It took realizing that fact, acknowledging our self worth and then acting accordingly...

The white man's thirst for cheap labor is changing the color and culture of this country as we speak

It's the RICH MAN'S thirst. Once again, zero understanding of class and power structure. The rich in Mexico and other Central American countries benefit by getting rid of their excess population they can't support. Rich American corporatists benefit from the massive of supply of cheap labor (which conicidentally hurts blacks and the poor the most.) Of course, now that America is a declining power all that is going to change.

Anonymous said... "The white man's thirst for cheap labor is changing the color and culture of this country as we speak.

"It's the RICH MAN'S thirst. Once again, zero understanding of class and power structure."

I'm certainly glad that we have your elitist, educated ass to keep us dumb niggas enlightened.

For your information, we understand the economic dynamics involved, and how the Mexican oligarchy composed of wealthy Mexican families are benefited by this unholy arrangement.

Our economy has served to release the pressure cooker of pent-up aspirations of the Mexican people, since they come here to seek their fortune, and Mexico's wealthiest can continue to amass wealth without sharing it.

"It is commonly said that Mexico is run by 300 families. Protected until the 1980s from competition from foreign firms, powerful family groups have run the economy. In 2000 eight groups controlled around 70 percent of the stock on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. The most influential organization has been the Mexican Council of Businessmen (CMHN), 37 of the richest men who in 1994 contributed $750 million to the PRI's presidential campaign."

Although it's possible that the influence of these families have diminished somewhat, never say never.

Money talks, and poverty walks North of the border.

What should draw your attention is the rate at which we're selling off our country.

Carlos Slim, a Mexican nationalist, is doing his part, along with Europe, Arabs, and a host of other countries in an effort to buy up the assets of this nation, or some of our national debt.

"Carlos Slim, the Mexican businessman who is one of the wealthiest men in the world and who invested $250 million in the New York Times earlier this year."

Slim is only one of many foreigners who has a rapacious eye on U.S. property. For years we have been selling off our country piece by piece, and the American people are kept in the dark about it, as their attention is directed to the politics of distraction and confusion.

It's a shell game. No matter which cup is picked, the sucker loses. Why? The object he hopes to find there has been palmed, or, in the case of our national assets, sold off.

In the future, don't disrespect the intelligence or education of those who post here, directly or indirectly.

Most are pretty smart and well-informed, with the possible exception of one or two, and they know who they are.

Further, get a handle and use it. Take enough pride in your opinions to sign them.

That way, when you post again, we'll recognize you. Those who post in anonymity garner less respect, and are less likely to be taken seriously.

"In the future, don't disrespect the intelligence or education of those who post here, directly or indirectly.

Most are pretty smart and well-informed, with the possible exception of one or two, and they know who they are."

I doubt if those 'one' or 'two' who YOU think are NOT smart and intelligent know who they are or could possibly agree with you. But show some courage and let them know who you are talking about so that they can defend themselves, or at least be able to tell you what a jackass you are. Don't be a coward with a 'handle'. People won't respect you.

You are doing exactly what you have told Anonymous NOT to do: 'disrespect the intelligence of those who post here'. Maybe you consider yourself one of the smart and intelligent ones here but you sound like an arrogant fool.

The biggest "Union Busting" force far greater than Evil Ronald Reagan's policies was the FACTORY CLOSURES that accompanied the increased costs and punitive regulations that made those areas that were dominated by unions hostile places to conduct business.

University Of Milwaukee: Black Unemployment Rates In Rust Belt Region

http://www4.uwm.edu/ced/publications/stealth_depression803.cfm

Sadly there was no political consequences for these flawed policies that destroyed jobs and thus the unions.

black at Anon/J with "The problems of Appalachia and even the stereotypes..." now these folks.. these white folks are the epitome of the "welfare state" but the media likes to make cast it as "black". Obviously, at a mere 5 percent of the total populace with 1 percent working in the postal service; 2 percent in other government including military and 0.75 percent on lock down, why are blacks [especially urban mothers] projected as the "welfare state" the number dont support it. In fact, more welfare is given by the goverment in FDI [foreign direct investment] to israel per person than domestically to support Blacks annually!

@Field-- i disagree with your assessment as i think when it comes to economics and self betterment more and more "knee grows" are going to start questioning their full on adoption of the white man money game. Currency is just dead cotton and wood pulp and have no value really in the end. If he Chinese called due all the US goverment bonds they have acquired for the last 15 years and in term, you government nationalised all the banks [cause they didnt have the cash to pay the Chinese] and those banks, zeroed out every deposit account [yours, mines, everybodys] what are you going to do with your plastic card at the Auntie M? Oz, can happen in the dead of night whilst you sleep. Ask the folks at Lehman Brothers RIP if you dont believe me.

*COMMENTS, LINKS, AND CUT AND PASTE ARTICLES, ARE NOT ALL ENDORSED BY THE PUBLISHER.

Follow the The Field Negro via e-mail.

TWEET ME

@fieldnegro

DISCLAIMER

***The views expressed on this site are the field's and the field's alone. They do not reflect the views of his employer, or any professional or legal organization with which he is affiliated.***

This is a commercial free blog.

Money is nice, but being able to speak my mind is better.

"Real talk: Daniel Rubin has a great little piece up wherein he chats with The Field Negro, the Philly-based blogger who sharply ponders all things black on a daily basis. (Seriously, if you’ve never checked in with TFN, you should: Its author, Wayne Bennett, is a fantastic read who can cut through bullshit like a hot knife through butter, which is a far grosser analogy than I wanted to make, but there you have it.)" ~Philebrity~

"..While most of what he writes is tongue-in-cheek, his space is a safe house for candid discussions about race, especially in the comments section, where people of all colors meet."~~Daniel Rubin, "The Philadelphia Inquirer"~~

"To white people, Bennett's musings are like kitchen-table talk from a kitchen they may otherwise never set foot in. To African Americans, he is part of a growing army of black Internet amateurs who have taken up the work once reserved for ministers and professional activists: the work of setting a black agenda, shaping black opinion and calling attention to the state of the nation's racial affairs."

~~Richard Fausset, "L.A. Times"~~~

"That's why I love the blog "Field Negro" so much. Field, as he's known to his fans, has the sense of reality that it takes to call out the (CowPuckey) of blame beating by those who are in positions of power and their lackeys. Because of his handle and his unabashed way of writing about racial issues, Field is often cited as a "Black blogger." What he is, however, is a first-class detector of blame deflection and an excellent student of history. If you want to write about the past and future of repression there's really no other perspective to take - which is why everyone should read Field."

"Half a century after Little Rock, the Montgomery bus boycott and the tumultuous dawn of the modern civil rights era, the new face of the movement is Facebook, MySpace and some 150 black blogs united in an Internet alliance they call theAfroSpear.

Older, familiar leaders such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, are under challenge by a younger generation of bloggers known by such provocative screen names as Field Negro, thefreeslaveand African American Political Pundit. And many of the newest struggles are being waged online."~Howard Witt-The Chicago Tribune~

"I had no idea, for example, of the extent of the African-American blogging world out there and its collective powers of dissemination.But now, after reading thousands of anguished, thoughtful comments posted on these blogs reflecting on issues of persistent racial discrimination in the nation's schools and courtrooms, what's clear to me is that there's a new, "virtual" civil rights movement out there on the Internet that can reach more people in a few hours than all the protest marches, sit-ins and boycotts of the 1950s and 60s put together." ~Chicago Tribune Reporter, Howard Witt~